High medieval · Hindu · India

Renuka Lake Temple

Renuka, Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh · 30.6100°, 77.4583°

Renuka (with a shrine to Parashurama)Undetermined—

Sacred since

1000 CE

first attestation / structure

Standing structure

dating unrecorded

Undetermined

History & significance

The largest lake in Himachal Pradesh and a Ramsar wetland since 2005, revered as the embodiment of the goddess Renuka, mother of Parashurama. A five-day fair each year around Prabodhini Ekadashi brings pilgrims from across northern India.

Sthala katha — the legend

After the death of the sage Jamadagni, Renuka is said to have entered these waters and become the lake itself, promising her son Parashurama an annual reunion.

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